What does getting a copper IUD inserted feel like in real life (pain level + recovery), and is there anything I can do to make the appointment less brutal?

Q: What does getting a copper IUD inserted feel like in real life (pain level + recovery), and is there anything I can do to make the appointment less brutal?A: The insertion is short, intense, and wildly different person to person. Some describe it as ‘bad cramps for 10 seconds,’ others as ‘I saw stars and swore at my doctor.’Most people feel:- A speculum (like a Pap smear) – pressure, not pain.- A sharp cramp when the cervix is measured.- Another sharp, deep cramp when the IUD is placed.The whole thing is usually 5–10 minutes, with the worst part lasting under 60 seconds. Afterward, most have period-like cramps and spotting for a few hours to a few days.You can absolutely make it less brutal: pre-medicate with NSAIDs, ask for numbing (cervical block), bring a support person, and choose timing in your cycle that works for you.If you want to talk through your pain history, anxiety levels, or what to ask for at your appointment, unload it all in Gush and get a game plan that doesn’t minimize your pain.

What does a copper IUD insertion feel like and how can I make it hurt less?

Step-by-step: what actually happens during copper IUD insertion

Here’s the play-by-play so your brain doesn’t fill in the blanks with horror stories:1. Intake + consent- Brief history, pregnancy test if needed.- You should be told risks, benefits, and allowed to ask questions.2. Positioning- You lie on the exam table, feet in stirrups like a Pap smear.3. Speculum- A speculum goes in your vagina to hold it open.- Feels like pressure/stretching, not sharp pain for most.4. Cervix cleaning- They swab your cervix with antiseptic. Weird, cold, but not usually painful.5. Stabilizing the cervix- They may use an instrument (tenaculum) to hold the cervix steady.- This can cause a sudden pinch or cramp.6. Measuring the uterus- A thin rod (sound) goes through the cervix into the uterus.- This is where many people feel a deep, intense cramp.7. IUD placement- The IUD is loaded in a thin tube, slid in, then the arms open.- Another deep cramp, sometimes worse than the sound, sometimes milder.8. Trim strings, remove speculum- You’re done. Cramps may linger like a heavy period.From ‘speculum goes in’ to ‘you’re sitting up’ is often under 10 minutes.

Realistic pain levels: from chill to absolutely not

Pain is subjective, but here’s what people often report:- Some: 2–4/10 – uncomfortable Pap-like pressure, then a strong cramp that makes them hold their breath, then it’s over.- Many: 6–8/10 – sharp, take-your-breath-away cramps for a few seconds, maybe some tears or swearing, then rapid cooldown to regular period cramps.- A few: 9–10/10 – especially if:- Very tight cervical canal.- History of trauma, vaginismus, endometriosis, adenomyosis.- Provider is rushed or dismissive.The worst pain is usually <60 seconds. What makes it traumatizing or tolerable is less about those seconds and more about:- Whether you were believed about your pain.- Whether you were given options for numbing and meds.- Whether you felt safe and in control.Bodies and experiences are not copy-paste. If what you’re feeling is anxiety, dread, or straight-up panic about insertion, that’s valid. Walk through the fears and options in Gush so you don’t have to white-knuckle this alone.

Pain control options you are allowed to ask for

You are not a burden for wanting to suffer less. Try these:1. Pre-medicate with NSAIDs- Take ibuprofen or naproxen 30–60 minutes before your appointment (if safe for you).- This helps with both the immediate procedure pain and the after-cramps.2. Ask for a paracervical block (local anesthetic)- This is an injection of numbing medication around the cervix.- It can significantly reduce the sharp pain from the tenaculum and sounding.- Many providers won’t offer it unless you ask. Ask.3. Ask about anxiety support- If you have severe medical anxiety or trauma history, some clinicians can prescribe a one-time anti-anxiety med for the procedure.- You’ll need a ride home if you go this route.4. Timing with your cycle- Some people find insertion easiest:- During their period or right after it ends, when the cervix may be slightly more open.- Your hormones at this time:- Menstrual phase: estrogen and progesterone are low, uterine lining is shedding.- Pain sensitivity can be higher for some people here, but the soft cervix can help with insertion.- Others prefer mid-follicular (days after bleeding): energy is better, mood more stable.5. Advocate for comfort basics- Smaller speculum if you’re petite or tense.- Extra lube.- A nurse or friend to hold your hand.- Permission to listen to music or guided breathing.

What recovery feels like after copper IUD insertion

Right after insertion:- Cramping: Like moderate to bad period cramps for a few hours.- Bleeding: Spotting or light bleeding is common.- Dizziness: Some people feel faint or woozy; lying down longer helps.First 24–72 hours:- Cramps may come and go.- Spotting can continue.- Many people are able to go back to work/school the same or next day, but planning a lighter schedule is smart.First week:- Mild, random twinges when your uterus is like ‘what is this foreign object.’- Light spotting off and on.Your hormone cycle (follicular, ovulatory, luteal) keeps running as usual:- Estrogen will rise post-period, then ovulation happens, then progesterone rises.- You may still feel your usual ovulation twinges or PMS—those aren’t side effects of the IUD; that’s your natural cycle being unmuted.

How to make recovery less miserable

Day-of plan:- Wear comfy clothes and a big pad.- Have a ride home if you’re worried about dizziness or had strong pain.- Clear your calendar if possible—this is not the day for a 3-hour exam.Pain and comfort tools:- Stay on NSAIDs every 6–8 hours the first day (within safe limits).- Heating pad or hot water bottle on your lower belly.- Gentle movement (short walks) to reduce cramping.Activity after insertion:- Sex: Many clinicians say wait 24 hours; others are fine with whenever you feel okay. It’s more about infection risk and comfort.- Tampons/cups: Usually okay after 24 hours, but follow your provider’s advice.- Exercise: Light movement as soon as you feel ready; intense workouts might feel rough the first day or two.

When to call a clinician after copper IUD insertion

Don’t just ‘tough it out’ if you have:- Severe pain that doesn’t improve over a few days.- Very heavy bleeding (soaking a pad every hour).- Fever, chills, or foul-smelling discharge.- Pain during sex once you’re healed.- Strings that suddenly feel much longer or you can’t feel them at all.You’re not dramatic for wanting pain control, clear info, and a provider who treats your uterus like it belongs to you. That’s the bare minimum.